Is your toothpaste killing fish?

Plastic microbeads in toothpaste and other consumer products an increasing problem By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times Plastic microbeads found in many personal care products are being found in the waters of the great lakes.   Why is this a concern?  First until recently I never really thought too much about those little beads in my facial scrub, body wash and toothpaste. ...

Tips for buying the perfect swimwear

With summer on the near horizon, don’t stress, be smart By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Memorial Day weekend!  Can you believe that we FINALLY made it?  After the brutally cold winter and soggy spring, could warm, sunny weather be ahead?!?  Let’s celebrate! Don’t let shopping for a bathing suit dampen your spirits!  There will be NO fat talk!  This year, we will embrace...

Inside the tailgating competition at Willowdale

English Country Afternoon theme offers stunning displays By Cathy Branciaroli, Special To The Times First place winners Jennifer and Jonathan Bordelon’s display featured hearty food and a place to lounge at the end of the hunt, during Sunday’s Willowdale Steeplechase tailgating competition. EAST MARLBOROUGH — Tailgating has been a part of the Willowdale Steeplechase tradition since...

A special poem in honor of Mothers Day

A happy Mothers Day to all! By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Editor’s Note: Our Kelly Hockenberry takes a break from her usual prose style and shares her obvious skills as a poet and this week, diverts a bit from her usual column in honor of Mothers Day. To all of the the moms out there — especially those nearest and dearest to The Times family, we wish a very happy Mothers...

Health Department: Make mosquitos unwelcome

Officials offer tips on avoiding threat of West Nile Virus Along with warmer weather comes those pesky mosquitos – and the threat of West Nile Virus, says the Chester County Health Department. Officials want to remind residents that the best way to control mosquitoes, which can transmit the virus to humans, is to get rid of standing water on your property. In a news release, the Health Department...

A Super Six any mom will love

Some great ideas for those Mothers’ Day gifts By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Next week is Mother’s Day!  Therefore, my Sunday Super Six is chock full of great gift ideas! 1. If you are crafty, I love the idea of doing a monogram canvas frame project!  I found this example on Pinterest (what did we ever do before this website?)  If you are hesitant to freehand the initials,...

Events that can make you feel as good as you look

Sip ‘N’ Shop, Kennett Run two great ways to give back to the community By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Doing good not only makes you feel good, it makes you LOOK good, too! I have two wonderful examples to jot down on the calendar: May 3rd, Jane Chalfont (located in West Chester at 123 North High Street) is hosting a Mother’s Day Sip & Shop event with 15% of sales benefiting...

YMCAs to celebrate Healthy Kids Day

National event aims to keep children moving, learning On Saturday, April 26, area YMCAs will celebrate Healthy Kids Day, a potpourri of free events throughout the community to inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies active. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., YMCA of the Brandywine Valley and YMCA of the Upper Main Line Y branches will feature games, healthy snacks, arts and crafts, fitness and/or...

County agenda: from beer to discount health care

Commissioners hold ‘on the road’ meeting at Parkesburg Borough Hall By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times County Commissioners Terence Farrell (from left), Ryan Costello, and Kathi Cozzone show off the fedoras they received at Parkesburg Borough Hall. PARKESBURG – At their latest “on the road” meeting last week at Parkesburg Borough Hall, the county commissioners learned...

Reshaping thoughts about body image

Affirm the positive and stop negative thoughts By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Happy Easter! Put down the peanut butter egg for 5 minutes.  This will be brief, I promise. Due to the proximity of summer swimsuit/shorts/tank top season, my fanatical fitness focus ratchets up to a whole new level.  In the spirit of Spring’s rebirth and renewal, I am attempting to (once again) have a...